puncturevine

Photo by Richard Old | www.xidservices.com

Puncturevine leaves & flower

iNaturalist

Puncturevine spiky seed pod

Photo by Richard Old | www.xidservices.com

puncturevine

Tribulus terrestris

Weed Characteristics

Other Names: goathead, goat's head, bullhead, caltrop, cathead, devils thorn, Mexican sandbur, puncture vine, sandbur, tackweed, Texas sandbur, goatheads

Leaf Type: Broadleaf

Flowers: Yellow

Leaves: Long leaves with divided edges; moderate hair

Life Cycle: Summer annual

Low-growing, spreading weed with fernlike leaves and an extensive root system. Flowers have 5 petals. Seed pods have 5 segments, each with 2 spines that are sharp enough to penetrate shoes and tires. Tolerates hot, compacted soils.

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